. >> right out of a movie. >> reporter: in woodbridge, emergency officials say thousands of gallons of oil spewed from a refinery tank ruptured in the storm. yesterday, president obama promised federal help through the communities of new jersey. >> we go through tough times. but we bounce back. the reason we bounce back is because we look out for one another. and we don't leave anybody behind. >> reporter: getting back to life as usual is proving complicated throughout the region, creating long lines for food, especially gas. >> we are coming back. deaf fitly. without a doubt. we are coming back. all of us. together. >> reporter: across the northeast, communities refusing to quit until their lives are restored. millions of people are beginning a third day without power. for them, this recovery couldn't happen soon enough, especially those cut off from the jersey shore, unable to see how their homes faired in this storm. in toms river, new jersey, i'm danielle leigh. >> so many of you are asking how you can help during this crisis. one suggestion is if you can reach out to the red cross